West Midlands Police have partnered with The Children’s Society and British Transport Police to help raise awareness of exploitation. We are working hard with our specialist teams and community partners to disrupt and prosecute criminal gangs exploiting young people.
Do you know the signs of child exploitation? Would you know where to report exploitation if you spotted the signs?
Exploitation can happen anywhere. It happens online and offline. Children are being targeted outside fast food outlets, at shopping centres, through online games, and social media. There are many types of child exploitation including money laundering, stealing from shops, transporting drugs via trains and bus routes.
Signs of child exploitation
Ask yourself, is a young person:
• Travelling alone, particularly in school hours, late at night or frequently?
• Looking lost or in unfamiliar surroundings?
• Anxious, frightened, angry or displaying other behaviours that make you worried about them?
• In possession of more than one phone?
• Carrying lots of cash?
• Potentially under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
• Being instructed or controlled by another individual?
• Accompanied by individuals who are older than them?
• Seen begging in a public space?
You can find out more information from the #LookCloser campaign website here #LookCloser To Spot Exploitation | The Children's Society (childrenssociety.org.uk)
If something doesn't feel right, don't wait, report it:
Call the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Text the British Transport Police on 61016
Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000
If you would like to talk to your schools officer about exploitation or your concerns, please get in touch with
the school or your local police team today Your Local Police | West Midlands Police (westmidlands.police.uk)
Thank you
West Midlands Police